Cancer immunotherapy boosted by layered double hydroxide nanoparticles

The development of innovative nanoplatforms for cancer immunotherapy has garnered considerable attention in biomedical research. Layered double hydroxide (LDH) is a two-dimensional inorganic nanomaterial consisting of positively charged brucite-like cationic layers and negatively charged anions intercalated in the interlayer space. LDH-based nanoplatforms have been emerging as promising candidates for enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. This review highlights the latest advancements in the application of LDH in cancer immunotherapy. The unique physicochemical properties of LDH, such as a high surface area, tunable porosity, and facile surface modification, entail it to be a versatile platform to deliver antigens, drugs, and other therapeutic agents. In addition, LDH's inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability contribute to its suitability for in vivo applications. Moreover, the nanoplatform formed by the integration of self-adjuvant LDH with tumor antigen and immunomodulatory components has shown promising results in enhancing antigen presentation, promoting immune cell activation and regulating the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment. In this review, we discuss the application of LDH as a carrier-supported immune modulator in immunotherapy and the application of LDH as an adjuvant to construct tumor vaccines. Finally, future research challenges of LDH in immunotherapy are briefly discussed. Conclusively, the versatility and adaptability of LDH-based nanoplatforms make them promising candidates for the next generation of cancer immunotherapeutics.